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Why some dog owners use punishment to deal with aggression
The study highlighted the potential for extreme negative emotional responses and feelings of failure in the dog owner when their dog shows aggression.
Study explores motivation for using positive and negative methods 

Bristol scientists have explored the factors affecting whether dog owners use positive or negative training methods to deal with aggression in their pets.

Current evidence suggests that positive reinforcement techniques are a humane and effective way to treat aggressive behaviour, whereas punishment-based methods are likely to impact welfare and potentially increase aggression levels. Yet many owners continue to use these outdated techniques.

Researchers from the University of Bristol wanted to find out why some owners still use punishment methods, and what the barriers and drivers are for using positive reinforcement.

Their findings, published in the journal Risk Analysis, suggest that key factors are the owner’s perception of how effective the behaviour modification will be, as well as their own ability to apply them.

The research team concluded that clinical behaviourists should focus on helping dog owners to feel confident about the effectiveness of the techniques they recommend and in their ability to use them successfully.

In addition, the study highlighted the emotional impact of managing a reactive dog and the potential for extreme negative emotional responses and feelings of failure in the dog owner when their dog shows aggression. Dr Emily Blackwell, from Bristol Veterinary School, said it is important for practitioners to consider the wellbeing of the owner as well as the dog.

She added: “Our findings highlight the need for behaviourists to offer practical support to owners, to demonstrate the effectiveness of reward-based training and to provide them with an opportunity to practice under expert guidance, so that they feel confident in their ability to use the techniques before attempting to apply them independently.”

Dr Emily Williams, from Bristol’s School of Psychological Science, said: “The majority of research on companion animal behaviour has focused on the behaviour of the animal itself, rather than the behaviour of the owner. We believe this is the first time that psychological theories exploring how people respond to threatening situations, such as Protection Motivation Theory, have been applied to understand people’s interactions with their pets.”

The study provides a foundation for future research exploring the influence of different psychological factors on an owner’s decision to use positive reinforcement techniques to manage aggressive behaviours.

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RUMA CA&E extends survey deadline

News Story 1
 RUMA CA&E has extended the deadline for its online survey into vaccine availability.

Vets, SQPs, retailers and wholesalers will now have until Friday, 26 September at 5pm to submit their response.

The survey aims to further understanding into the vaccine supply challenges faced by the sector. It will also consider the short and long term impacts of disruption issues.

Insights are anonymous, and will be shared with industry stakeholders and government bodies.

The survey can be accessed here

Click here for more...
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BSAVA publishes Guide to Nutrition in Small Animal Practice

The BSAVA has added a small animal nutrition advice booklet to its series of BSAVA guides.

The BSAVA Guide to Nutrition in Small Animal Practice offers a resource for veterinary professionals to provide appropriate nutrition for animals. As well as maintaining the wellbeing of healthy pets, the guide explores how nutritional requirements change in times of illness and disease.

The guide is divided into five sections, which explore the importance of nutritional assessment; diet types; feeding at different life stages; feeding for specific situations; and feeding for specific diseases. Online resources are also in the BSAVA Library including client handouts and videos.

It is designed to be suitable for referencing, in-depth case planning and team training sessions.

The BSAVA Guide to Nutrition in Small Animal Practice can be purchased online from the BSAVA store.